Erica Synths releases its ultimate tool for rhythm-based music production. And we have to say, it looks and sounds like a very serious electronic music system indeed.

Erica Synths - known for making a wide range of synth modules and gear - have announced the release of their Techno System, which they say is the ultimate tool for rhythm-based music production, live performances and sound design. And we must say it looks like quite a monster. The drum modules on the Techno System are internally patched to the sequencer, so they are able to receive trigger and accent signals even without patching, allowing music creators to remain fully focused on the audio signal. Here's what they said about it.

"The new Techno System is the ultimate, flexible sonic tool and isn’t limited to specific music genres — it is solely dependent on the user’s creativity in patching and settings of modules and is almost limitless in its creative applications. Comprised of 15 modules altogether, it is one of the most advanced techno/industrial music performance instruments ever created.

Included in the Techno System is a set of new analogue drum modules, advanced drum/loop sampler, and a fat sounding fully analogue synth voicedesigned for screaming acid basslines. Further, the Techno System comes in Erica Synths Travel Case (universal PSU and case lid included, hand-made leather strap or backpack optional) and with 25 black patch cables."

Features

Bassline: fully analogue synth voice module for ultimate basslines and leads. It features AS3340 VCO with three waveforms, a filter inspired by Erica Synths Acidbox andunique features – transistor-based suboscillator and two BBDs that emulate VCO detune.

Drum: takes classical drum machine kick drum sounds to the next level with a modular functionality - more parameters and CV control.

Toms: the module contains Low Tom, Mid Tom and High Tom, each with individual Pitch and Decay controls and outputs plus CV control over pitch.

Clap: brings classical drum machine sounds in eurorack. Accent and CV control over tune adds more versatility in sound.

Hi-Hats: classical Hi-Hats samples are passed thru AS3330 based VCA with adjustable shape and controlled via envelope generators of unique design. Extra feature is Open HiHat looping – when it’s on, a certain part of the sample is looped while the envelope decay is on, thus creating distinct, delay-like effect.

Modulator: features two identical syncable to the BPM LFOs/noise sources with selectable morphing waveshapes. LFO frequency can be manually adjusted or CV controled, as well as they provide frequency divisions and multiplications in Sync mode. Each LFO has two outputs — main one and secondary one with adjustable phase, so you can create evolving modulations

Mixer Lite: this is compact 6 input version of a Drum Mixer. Built in vactrol based compressor settings can be adjusted to a taste via trimpots through the front panel.

Dual Drive: features two independent distortion circuits with gain and overdrive parameters, each with three overdrive flavours. Thanks to CV inputs, it is possible to create very lively distortion and great stereo effects.

Dual FX: this combines two Spin FV-1 chips in one module, each filled with eight custom effect programs with two adjustable and CV controlled parameters per effect and analogue dry/wet circuit. The effects repertoire of the Dual FX has been specially tailored to drum sounds and all parameter settings can be saved with the effect.

Drum Mixer: this is a compact, 7 input mixer of unique design provides greater dynamic range and built in vactrol based compressor for high clarity of each drum sound in the mix. The first three inputs have selectable allocation - to the Main output or Main output + Aux Send

Stereo Mixer: this comes equipped with four channel strips, each containing two inputs (L / R).Thanks to some clever routing options, mono signals can be placed nicely in the panorama as well. All four stereo channel strips feature a level potentiometer and a limiter provides protection against very hot signals.

LINK: the module that bridges eurorack to stage mixers — it has 5 sections that attenuate eurorack signals to line level signals and send them to 6,3mm jacks for quality connection to the performance mixer.

Hollin Jones was classically trained as a piano player but found the lure of blues and jazz too much to resist. Graduating from bands to composition then production, he relishes the chance to play anything with keys.
A sometime lecturer in videographics, music production and photography post production, Hollin has been a freelance writer on music technology and Apple topics for well over a decade, along the way publishing several books on audio software. He has been lead writer at a number of prominent music and technology publications.
As well as consultancy, full-time journalism, video production and professional photography, he occasionally plays Hammond, Rhodes and other keys for people who ask nicely.
Hollin is Contributing Editor at Ask.Audio.

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